Several coaches have complained that some of their users share the same email address; oftentimes parents use their own email address in lieu of a child. However, your Aquanite system requires a unique email address for each user. What to do?

There are a few options available to you; I’m going to focus on one of my personal favorites- Google’s Gmail.

If you are dealing with kids too young for an email address, the solution is simple: have mom or dad sign up for a free gmail account here.

For example: let us assume “dad” has two kids in your program, Johnny and Suzzie. After signing up at gmail, he gets the email address dad@gmail.com.

“Dad” can now use dad+johnny@gmail.com and dad+suzzie@gmail.com to register the kids. Your Aquanite system will understand both “Johnny” and “Suzzie” are separate users, and all emails sent to either child will be sent directly to Dad.

This trick works with all gmail accounts, simply use the format:

username+whateveryouwant@gmail.com

But what about kids who are a little bit older, and want an email address for themselves?

A parent or guardian can register a gmail account for use by a child or teenager, and still keep an eye on things. After the new gmail account is created, click on the settings link (top-right) and then the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab:

Click the bubble next to Forward a copy of incoming mail… and enter your email address. For example, you might set suzzie@gmail.com to forward to dad@gmail.com.

This way, Suzzie can enjoy her own email address (required to register at most websites), but mom and dad will still receive a copy of every message sent to her. If Suzzie receives any inappropriate messages, her parents will be well aware of it.

These two options will allow the parents of your students to decide which method is better for them, and their children.

How to forward the new email account:

Below is a short video by ‘pcmech’ on how to forward the new email account with Gmail, Yahoo, and Hotmail.

Another option:

As of June 1, 2010, your Aquanite website will allow members to register via Facebook.

Why require a unique email address?

Your Aquanite system requires a unique email address-

• if a user attempts to reset a lost password
• if a user attempts to contact another user via the roster page
• when sending a bill, dues, or reminder to a user
• when processing a payment via PayPal
• when sending messages to a group or specific user

You will find that most websites that offer registration will require a unique email address. Therefore, this is an issue parents are going to face sooner or later. Luckily for them, gmail offers several powerful, and free, solutions.